Florida Gulf Coast Inshore Fishing Charter
Captain Johnny Funk knows these Florida Gulf Coast waters like the back of his hand, and when you're looking to target black drum, crevalle jack, and a whole mess of other inshore species, you want someone who's got their finger on the pulse of where fish are holding. This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip - it's a proper morning session designed to put you on fish, whether you've been casting lines for decades or you're just figuring out which end of the rod to hold. With space for just two anglers, you'll get personalized attention and won't be fighting for rail space or competing with a crowd.
What to Expect on the Water
Your morning kicks off with Captain Johnny handling all the details - licenses, gear, snacks, and drinks are covered, so you can focus on what matters: catching fish. The Florida Gulf Coast inshore waters offer some of the most consistent fishing you'll find, with grass flats, oyster bars, and structure that hold everything from schooling jack crevalle to hefty black drum. Johnny's got the local knowledge to read conditions and adjust the game plan based on tides, weather, and what's been biting. These aren't random spots marked on a GPS - they're productive areas that have been putting fish in the boat season after season. The intimate two-person setup means you're not just another face in the crowd; you'll get hands-on instruction if you need it, or the freedom to work your own techniques if you're dialed in.
Tackle and Techniques
Professional-grade fishing gear is provided, which means you're working with rods and reels that can handle everything from finicky snook to bruiser tarpon. Depending on conditions and target species, you'll be working with live bait, artificials, or a combination of both. Inshore fishing here means reading the water - looking for bait schools, working structure like docks and mangroves, and understanding how tides move fish around. Captain Johnny will have you casting into potholes in the grass flats for redfish, pitching baits around structure for snook, or working deeper channels where black drum cruise. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety - you might be sight-casting to cruising fish one minute and bottom fishing for grouper the next. Circle hooks for live bait, proper drag settings, and knowing when to set the hook versus letting the fish take it - these are the details that separate a good day from a great one.
Customer Stories
"Great experience all the way around. Captain Johnny really put us on the fish and Cooper was great at keeping three 11-12 year old boys engaged and occupied. Perfect weather, lots of fish and lots of fun was had by all. I would highly recommend." - Dale
"We hire Captain Johnny often. He picks up right form our dock. The sunset and fishing cruises are amazing! He knows the best fishing holes and makes the cruise fun every time. We love how knowledgable and passionate he is about the environment and fishing. He's a cool guy and you won't regret booking. We saw a ton of manatee and had a really awesome encounter with a dolphin. My father-in-law said several times "That's the best experience I've had in 71 years". Thank you Johnny!" - Diana
"Best charter ever. Captain Johnny Funk was very knowledgeable about where the fish were biting and getting us on them quickly. I highly recommend Funked Up Fishing. The price was right as well." - Artagnan
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish are the bread and butter of Florida Gulf Coast inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love shallow water and put up a serious fight once hooked. You'll find them tailing in skinny water during higher tides, cruising grass flats, and holding around structure. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, though winter can produce some monster fish. What makes reds so special is their willingness to eat both live and artificial baits, plus that distinctive drum-like sound they make when you get them to the boat.
Crevalle jack are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod. These silver bullets travel in schools and when you find them, the action can be non-stop. They're aggressive feeders that will crush topwater lures, spoons, and live bait with equal enthusiasm. Jacks are year-round residents, but spring and summer see the biggest concentrations. They're not the prettiest fish in the water, but pound-for-pound, few species fight harder. Expect screaming runs and multiple jumps when you hook into a good one.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, with fish over 30 pounds not uncommon in these waters. They're bottom feeders that love crabs and shrimp, making them perfect targets for anglers who enjoy the anticipation of a slow, deliberate bite followed by a bulldogging fight. Winter and spring are prime time for big drum, especially around structure and deeper holes. These fish have serious pulling power and will test your drag system.
Snook are Florida's signature inshore species, and the Gulf Coast holds some quality fish. They're ambush predators that love structure - docks, mangroves, bridges, and creek mouths are all prime snook real estate. The closed season during summer protects spawning fish, but fall through spring offers excellent opportunities. Snook are notorious for their gill-rattling jumps and their ability to cut you off on structure if you're not careful with your drag.
Gag grouper bring the reef fishing experience to inshore waters. These bottom dwellers love hard structure and will absolutely smoke your bait when they decide to eat. They're available year-round in federal waters, with the shallower inshore fish providing great action on lighter tackle. Gags are excellent table fare and their initial run when hooked will surprise anglers used to other inshore species.